U-Ming opts for Anemoi rotor sails on ore carrier, eyes up to 12% fuel and emission savings

Taiwanese shipping company U-Ming Marine Transport has decided to install rotor sails from UK-based wind-assisted propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies on one of its 325,000 dwt very large ore carriers (VLOC), anticipating approximately 10-12% fuel and emission savings.

Under the contract, Anemoi is expected to install four 35-meter-tall cylindrical rotor sails on U-Ming’s 2020-built Grand Pioneer by the end of 2025.

The shipping company forecasts fuel and emission savings of approximately 10-12% on deep-sea routes between China and Brazil, South Africa, and Australia.

Anemoi said the rotor sails would also be installed with the company’s folding deployment system, enabling the sails to be folded from vertical to mitigate the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations.

Claes Horndahl, Commercial Director of Anemoi Marine Technologies, commented: “Anemoi is delighted to partner with U-Ming to supply our market-leading foldable Rotor Sails for Grand Pioneer. With significant fuel and emissions savings forecasted, this latest investment will further enhance the international recognition of U-Ming’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and Anemoi’s position as a leading provider of critical vessel decarbonisation technology.” 

CK Ong, President of U-Ming, highlighted that the rotor sails will complement the company’s portfolio of existing emission-reducing technologies, including a fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels. Ong added that U-Ming will also continue researching other emission-lowering pathways such as carbon capture systems and retrofitting conventional vessels to methanol dual-fuel.

So far, Anemoi installed its wind propulsion technology on various vessels including four rotor sails with rail deployment systems aboard an 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier in June 2023 and the retrofit of four folding rotor sails aboard a 388,000 dwt Valemax ore carrier in May 2024.

Just recently, the UK company also secured a contract with Japanese shipping company NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United) and Brazilian mining giant Vale to equip a 400,000 dwt VLOC with rotor sails.

In September 2024, Anemoi’s rotor sail design measuring 5 meters in diameter and 35 in height received a type approval design certificate from Norway-based classification society DNV.